Today's Brief 27/12/2024

IE Analysis: https://youtu.be/Au8eEkDqZds?si=fnWhDPbhf6cYNNLR

JN Analysis: https://youtu.be/cqDnvbqDJGM?si=axxIVGUvGTn_qoG7

1 .Veer Baal Diwas: is a national day of remembrance in India that commemorates the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru.

2 OAE 1a .Ocean Anoxic Event 1a:was a period of profound environmental upheaval that occurred during the mid-Cretaceous, approximately 120 million years ago. It was a time when Earth's oceans became largely depleted of oxygen, leading to widespread disruption of marine ecosystems and ultimately, the extinction of numerous marine species.

Key Characteristics of OAE 1a

• Oceanic Oxygen Depletion: The primary driver of OAE 1a was a massive release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, likely triggered by large-scale volcanic eruptions. This CO2 increase led to global warming and a cascade of events that depleted the oceans of oxygen.

• Marine Ecosystem Disruption: The interaction of CO2 with seawater formed carbonic acid, which increased the acidity of the oceans. This acidification dissolved the shells of marine organisms, particularly those made of calcium carbonate, such as plankton and mollusks. Additionally, the reduced oxygen levels created a hostile environment for many marine species, leading to widespread extinction.

• Black Shale Formation: The anoxic conditions in the oceans prevented the decomposition of organic matter, leading to its accumulation on the seafloor. This organic matter eventually formed thick layers of black shale, which are rich in hydrocarbons and provide valuable insights into the environmental conditions of OAE 1a.

• Carbon Cycle Perturbation: OAE 1a was associated with a significant disruption of the global carbon cycle. The event was marked by a prominent negative carbon isotope excursion, followed by a shift towards more positive values. This indicates a major shift in the balance of carbon sources and sinks.

• Sea Surface Temperature Increase: Global sea surface temperatures increased by an estimated 6°C during OAE 1a, with even higher increases in low and moderate latitudes. This warming further exacerbated the oxygen depletion in the oceans.

• Greenhouse Gas Concentration Increase: The atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, primarily CO2, increased substantially during OAE 1a, contributing to the global warming and ocean acidification.

The Impact of OAE 1a

OAE 1a had a profound impact on marine ecosystems, leading to the extinction of numerous species and altering the course of marine evolution. The event also had significant implications for the global carbon cycle and climate system.

Understanding OAE 1a is crucial for several reasons:

• It provides insights into the potential consequences of future climate change. The mechanisms that drove OAE 1a, such as greenhouse gas emissions and ocean acidification, are similar to those associated with human-induced climate change today.

• It helps us understand the resilience of marine ecosystems to environmental stress. Studying how marine life responded to the challenges of OAE 1a can inform our efforts to conserve and protect marine biodiversity in the face of modern threats.

• It highlights the interconnectedness of Earth's systems. OAE 1a demonstrates how changes in one part of the Earth system, such as the atmosphere, can have cascading effects on other parts, such as the oceans and the biosphere.

3 .India Achieves 97% Reduction in Malaria Cases: The number of malaria-related deaths has also plummeted from a devastating 800,000 annually to a mere 83 in 2023

4 .Dr. Manmohan Singh :Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.

5 .Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared that the Waves OTT app has crossed over one million downloads in a month. In a series of posts on social media on Thursday, Mr. Vaishnaw said this milestone reflects India’s unbreakable bond with its cultural roots.

He highlighted that India’s OTT platform by Prasar Bharati brings a wave of nostalgia with epic shows like Ramayan and Mahabharat, while also embracing new-age content. He added that it has entertainment for every generation, from timeless shows to tech-savvy features.